SHIFT Work + Play is a family-friendly coworking space. We offer modern workspaces for adults and staffed play sessions for children so parents can work while their kids play!
A conversation with Founder and Owner, Megan Donovan
Tell us SHIFT Work + Play’s story.
SHIFT Work + Play was born out of my experience as a busy mom and professional: It was Fall of 2021 and my children’s school was closed for an in-service day but my partner and I both had busy work days ahead. We were discussing our schedules and how we would cover childcare for the day. As the Associate Director of Policy for an international nonprofit organization, I had several Zoom calls lined up. My partner owns a local restaurant and food truck, so he was going to be in and out handling a variety of management tasks and odd jobs. It was a typical conversation: You take these hours, I’ll take those hours, the kids can have a little more screen time than usual to get us through those other hours. I knew there had to be a better way.
As someone who worked from home most days, I had been interested in the idea of coworking for a while. Suddenly it came to me: what if I could access a coworking space with a playroom? My kids could have fun instead of using screens while I was on Zoom. I could have a more professional background for my conference calls, and I could meet other working parents in the same position. Not everyone needs full-time childcare but we all need time to get things done. And most of us crave community, at least some of the time!
I immediately got to work on a business plan. Just over one year later, on November 28, 2022, our very first members started working out of our location on N. East St. SHIFT Work + Play is now 1 year old and I could not be more excited to continue building and growing this business.
What do you like most about being a business owner in Frederick?
I love getting to know the many other business owners here in Frederick. I’ve always loved shopping locally, but now I have a much deeper appreciation for how meaningful it is to support the businesses around us. With SHIFT, I have the opportunity to collaborate with other business owners and entrepreneurs and support them and the community around us in new ways by offering classes, book clubs, workshops and other events. It’s truly a privilege to work with so many amazing and inspiring people and I’m grateful for that every day.
What makes SHIFT Work + Play unique?
SHIFT Work + Play is Frederick’s first family-friendly coworking space. We offer staffed morning and afternoon play sessions for ages 18 months – 6 years old in our beautiful, Montessori-inspired playroom. Each play session is 3 hours long and includes a planned craft or activity plus lots of open-ended, imaginative play. Adults have access to separate, modern workspaces where they can focus on their goals. There’s no one more productive than a parent with a few hours of dedicated work time!
What do you want your business to be known for?
I turn up to work every day with the goal of creating an environment where people can bring their full selves to work and play. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and professions. And while many are parents, you do not have to have kids or use the playroom to enjoy working at SHIFT. We’ve curated a variety of modern workspaces to suit a range of needs, from flex desks to shared offices, team rooms, and private offices.
Share some of your community involvement efforts.
SHIFT Work + Play is all about supporting parents and families, so I strive to ensure that extends beyond our membership to the greater Frederick community. In addition to a range of programming open to the public, we’ve hosted two “Kids Kindness” events organized by a local partner to benefit SHIP of Frederick County. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce has been a big part of my journey as an entrepreneur, so now I give back by volunteering as a Chamber Ambassador and a Women in Business committee member.
What does SHIFT Work + Play do best?
SHIFT Work + Play fills an important gap for parents by offering part-time, flexible babysitting services and a work environment designed with parents in mind. Members can book the play sessions they need and there’s no penalty for changes or cancellations. We have dedicated spaces for parents with younger kids, a beautiful lactation and wellness room, and classes and events that support business and parenting goals.
Have any exciting promotions coming up that you want the Chamber membership to know about?
Our most flexible membership plan is the “Cowork Occasionally” plan, which grants access to our space any 4 days per month. Members use this plan to set a regular once a week schedule, or to cover occasional school closures or gaps in childcare. The cost of this plan is going up in 2024, but anyone who signs up before the end of the year can lock in the current rate of $69/month!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.